The Ultimate Sustainable Back to School Guide

Thousands of San Diego students are getting ready to go back to school. Here are a few tips to do it the sustainable way!

Reduce your daily footprint by following these tips:

Reusable water bottle. If you don’t yet own a reusable water bottle it’s a great idea to get one! You can significantly reduce the amount of disposable water bottles you toss out just by drinking from your reusable water bottle every day, plus it saves you money. It’s best to write your name or initials on the bottle to avoid losing it and creating more waste.

Finding alternatives to plastic bottles and bags. Opt for reusable baggies to pack sandwiches, cookies, veggies, and other snacks. Disposable plastic baggies can  not be disposed of in the recycling blue bins and are  likely to end up in the landfill.. If you throw out 2 bags a school day, that’s 10 bags every week. In a month, that’s 40 bags, and in a year that’s a whopping 480 bags, they add up quickly! Reusable bags are widely available and washable.

Don’t bag your fruit. Fruits come in their own compostable packaging, it’s not necessary to put your banana, orange, or apple in a plastic bag, when the skin of the fruit naturally protects it.. If you want to pre-peel or pre-slice your fruit, it’s another great opportunity to use your reusable snack bags.

 

Be cool and carpool. If you live close to your school, consider walking, skating, riding your bike, or using public transportation to school if able.

Shop smart. The new school year can be exciting and it’s always tempting to buy brand new, cool materials. But most times, you end up buying supplies you don’t need. It’s always a good idea to do a waste audit and look through what you may already have such as markers, pens, colored pencils, rulers, notepads etc. that accumulate year to year. It’s a good idea before going out to buy new school supplies, to make a list of what you really need. This way, you can avoid buying what you don’t. If you have any supplies at home that you won’t use, consider donating them to your school or an after school program. Also, Don’t forget your reusable bags when back-to-school shopping. 

Already do all the above and want to do more? Here are some tips for the A+ Environmentalists:

  • Start an organic gardening and composting program at your school.
  • How well does your school recycle? If you think more can be done, talk with your teachers and principal about improving recycling at your school.
  • Start an environmental club at your school. You can participate in clean-ups and organize recycling events to fundraise for your club or school.
  • Help spread the word. For more information on how and where items can be recycled and disposed of properly, visit WasteFreeSD.org or call our hotline. Incorporated residents call: 1-800-237-BLUE (1-800-237-2583) and for Unincorporated residents call: 1-877-R-1-EARTH (1-877-713-2784).

Registrations are Open for I Love A Clean San Diego’s 22nd Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup

Registrations are Open for I Love A Clean San Diego’s 22nd Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup

San Diego‘s largest one-day environmental volunteer effort during Earth Month returns on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to noon, with thousands of volunteers expected at nearly 100 cleanup sites.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY (April 2, 2024) – I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is set to host the 22nd annual Creek to Bay Cleanup on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event is the region’s largest one-day environmental volunteer effort in celebration of Earth Month, with nearly 100 cleanup sites around the county. I Love A Clean San Diego expects thousands of volunteers of all ages to participate. Residents can register to volunteer now at cleansd.org/creektobay.

“Creek to Bay provides an opportunity for all San Diegans to actively participate in keeping our green spaces beautiful and healthy!” said Kristin Banks, Volunteer Program Manager at ILACSD.

The Ocean Conservancy estimates that about 80 percent of all litter and debris found along the coast begins inland. When litter enters our local watersheds, it flows downstream and into the Pacific Ocean, negatively impacting infrastructure and becoming a harmful threat to the health of both marine wildlife and humans.

“With cleanup sites all over the region, there’s an opportunity for every San Diegan to get involved no matter where they live and help keep pollution from reaching our local waterways and the ocean,” said Craig Gustafson, Program Manager for Think Blue San Diego.

Think Blue, the public education and outreach program for the City of San Diego’s Stormwater Department, has long been a longtime sponsor of the Creek to Bay Cleanup and partners year-round with ILACSD on cleanups and educational activities.

All San Diegans are encouraged to participate since all residents live in one of the region’s 11 watersheds that lead to our bays, beaches, and oceans. Residents in inland areas are especially encouraged to participate and be the first line of defense in diverting litter from entering our waterways.

In 2023, Creek to Bay volunteers diverted nearly 50 tons of litter and debris from communities across the county. Volunteers can visit cleansd.org/creektobay to find the list of the nearly 100 sites throughout San Diego and locate a site near them.

Thank You to Our 2024 Creek to Bay Partners

Think Blue San Diego, Bank of America, County of San Diego and its Watershed Protection Program, Cox Communications, Project Clean Water, Wells Fargo, San Diego Port Authority, Airport Authority, Illumina, Sempra Infrastructure, Sony Electronics, and Jack in the Box Foundation, City of Chula Vista, City of San Marcos, City of Imperial Beach, Mitch’s Seafood, Sycuan, Great American Cleanup Grant through Keep America Beautiful, City of El Cajon, City of La Mesa Stormwater Department.

About I Love A Clean San Diego

Celebrating 70 years in 2024, I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is an environmental nonprofit supporting residents and businesses of San Diego County. ILACSD was founded in 1954 as the San Diego War Against Litter Committee (WALC), in the 1970s, “I Love A Clean San Diego” became the slogan for the organization’s anti-litter campaign, and in 1980, it became the organization’s name. Over the last seven decades, ILACSD has since evolved into the nonprofit it is today, providing programs that go far beyond litter cleanups and serve as environmental catalysts. Our programs inspire and empower San Diegans to be environmental and waste-free living leaders in their communities. For more information, to volunteer, or to make a gift, visit CleanSD.org or call (619) 291-0103. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Spring Cleaning: Tips To Declutter & Refresh Your Home This Season

Spring is here! There is no better time for some spring cleaning! Decluttering your home of unwanted items, thoroughly cleaning room to room, wiping the dirt off every nook and cranny you can find – these are all a part of the exciting (and sometimes tedious) spring cleaning routine. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of tips on where to donate or recycle items you no longer need and DIY recipes for your home cleaning needs.

Cleaning Out Your Closet

Donating your clothes to non-profit organizations will ensure you’re donating to a good cause and helping those in need.

San Diego Rescue Mission 

San Diego Rescue Mission accepts clothing and shoes that are fairly new or gently used. They take into account the wishes of the donor and your requests on how the items you donate will be used. Most of their donations are given to students and guests at the San Diego Rescue Mission according to their needs.

Father Joe’s

Father Joe’s accepts clothing and shoes that are clean and gently used and resells them at their thrift stores. The money collected from reselling the donations goes directly towards helping the homeless population in San Diego.

Many mail-in programs exist for clothing and shoe donations, where most items are sent to developing countries for people who are poverty stricken and are in need of clothes. 

Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls is a free mail-in program which aims to turn unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunity, creating jobs and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty. Shoes are distributed to people in need and are also used to help people launch and sustain their own small businesses selling donated shoes and clothing.

Retold Recycling

Retold Recycling is a mail-in program that accepts damaged or very worn-out clothes and textiles (blankets, towels, bed linens, etc.) for recycling. Whether it’s just one sock or a full bag of clothing, Retold makes sure none of it ends up in the landfill. The items are sorted by type and quality and are then sent to thrift stores, charities, upcyclers, recycling companies, and developing countries to support micro-economies.

USAgain Drop Off Bins

USAgain accepts clothing and shoes that are in reusable condition. Items in fairly good condition are given to people who don’t have the option to buy new clothes, allowing them to conserve funds for other basic necessities such as food, shelter, and education. Some are sold to small shop owners or second-hand stores who are in need of products to make ends meet. Items that are battered, such as fabric scraps, are either reused as wiping rags or shredded to insulation material for appliances and vehicles.

Many clothing brands have a take-back program. If you bring back a used item, you could get a discount to purchase a new item.

Madewell

Madewell has a Do-Well recycling program in place where they offer free repairs in stores for patching, mending, and other fixes. Used jeans are also available for purchase at their stores. If you have fallen out of love with your jeans, you can turn them in at Madewell, which then turns those old bootcuts into housing insulation for communities in need.

Patagonia 

Patagonia has a Worn Wear program where you are able to trade in or mail in used Patagonia garments that are still in good condition in exchange for store credit. They also offer a used clothing section as well as repair services in order to expand the lifespan of clothing and keep them out of the landfills.

North Face

North Face accepts used apparel and footwear in any condition and brand at their stores and rewards $10 towards your next purchase when you sign up for their XPLR Pass. Approved items are then washed, prepped and sold through the North Face Renewed program, donated, or recycled. First time users get a 10% discount on purchases too!

To Clean Everything Else: Sustainable Cleaning Recipes
All-Purpose Cleaner 
  • 2 cups hot water 
  • 1 tsp. biodegradable liquid soap or borax 
  • 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice (cuts grease) 

Directions: Fill a spray bottle with hot water. Add soap and vinegar or lemon juice. Shake the bottle gently to dissolve the ingredients.  

Floor Cleaner 
  • 2 cups warm water 1/4 cup biodegradable liquid soap or detergent 
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar or lemon juice 

Directions: Combine the ingredients in a large plastic bucket. Use it with a mop or sponge. 

Glass Cleaner 
  • 1 cup water 
  • 1/8 cup vinegar 

Directions: Fill bottle with both ingredients and shake for 30 seconds. Use on all types of glass surfaces, including mirrors. 

Tub and Tile Cleaner
  • 1/2 cup baking soda Enough liquid soap to make a frosting-like consistency 
  • 5-10 drops of essential oil of your choice. (Pro tip: Try using eucalyptus, tea tree or Peppermint oil!) 

Directions: Place baking soda in a bowl and slowly pour in liquid soap, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the consistency of frosting. Add drops of essential oil (optional). Scrub surface with sponge and mixture, and rinse.

Toilet Cleaner 
  • 1/4 cup baking soda 
  • 1 cup vinegar 

Directions: Place baking soda in a bowl and slowly pour in liquid soap, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches the consistency of frosting. Add drops of essential oil (optional). Scrub surface with sponge and mixture, and rinse.